Near Oakwood in Freestone County, Texas — The American South (West South Central)

Daniel Memorial Orphanage

Photographed by James Hulse, May 5, 2025

1. Daniel Memorial Orphanage Marker

Inscription. Prominent businessman and lifelong Freestone County resident Jennings Bryan Daniel (1896-1977), along with his family, created a facility east of Fairfield for homeless and underprivileged children, where both their physical and spiritual needs could be met. Daniel planned the facility on a 1140-acre tract which contained scenic hills, valleys and meadows and was bisected by two running creeks. A charter was granted by the state of Texas for Daniel Memorial Orphanage in September 1947. Daniel purchased former barracks from nearby Camp Fannin to serve as dormitories and dining and administrative space, and an army chapel in Oklahoma was later acquired and reassembled at the site. Although the home did not officially open until November 1948, the Daniel family generously accepted a few children into their home in anticipation of the orphanage's completion.

The home flourished, and by its second anniversary in 1950, there were 65 residents. Two mandatory policies required by J.B. Daniel included regular church attendance by the children, and a non-adoption policy to prevent the separation of siblings. Although the children were responsible for chores such as tending livestock, mowing the grounds, and helping in the kitchen, they had plenty of time for activities like swimming, baseball and summer camps; the children also attended the Fairfield schools.

The Daniel family continued administration of the home until 1968, when J.B. Daniel resigned his board presidency due to failing health. The entire facility was deeded to the Assemblies of God in 1970, and continues in operation today as the Pleasant Hill Children's Home.

Erected 2010 by Texas Historical Commission. (Marker Number 16594.)

Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Charity & Public Work. A significant historical month for this entry is September 1947.

Location. 31° 39.501′ N,

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95° 53.721′ W. Marker is near Oakwood, Texas, in Freestone County. It is on U.S. 84 0.4 miles east of County Road 301, on the left when traveling east. The marker is located along the highway near the fence. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 1672 US Hwy 84 W, Oakwood TX 75855, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in the Prairies & Lakes Region.

It is also in the American South.

Globally, it is in North America,

a Gulf of Mexico state,

the Western Hemisphere,

the Western World,

and the Anglosphere.

Historically, it finds itself in what was once New Spain,

the Republic of Texas,

one of the Confederate States of America,

and the Antebellum South.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 10 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies: Butler Soldiers' Homes, C.S.A. (approx. 1.9 miles away); Site of Woodhouse School (approx. 8 miles away); Green Bay A.M.E. Church (approx. 8.7 miles away); Green Bay High School (approx. 8.8 miles away); Mt. Pisgah Church and Cemetery (approx. 9 miles away); Magnolia Cemetery (approx. 9.3

The view of the Daniel Memorial Orphanage Marker along the highway image. Click for full size.

Photographed by James Hulse, May 5, 2025

2. The view of the Daniel Memorial Orphanage Marker along the highway

miles away); Henry Fields (approx. 9.3 miles away); Mt. Zion Methodist Church and Cemetery (approx. 9.4 miles away).

Daniel Memorial Cemetery image. Click for full size.

Photographed by James Hulse, May 5, 2025

3. Daniel Memorial Cemetery

Credits. This page was last revised on May 7, 2025. It was originally submitted on May 6, 2025, by James Hulse of Medina, Texas. This page has been viewed 284 times since then and 73 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on May 7, 2025, by James Hulse of Medina, Texas.